In a little over two weeks, I’ll be heading across the border to Toronto, Cananda where I will have the privilege of reading at the Merril Collection, as well as being the GoH at SFContario.
The library reading occurs at 7pm, on Thursday, November 16th, on the 3rd floor of the Lillian H. Smith branch of the Toronto Public Library, 239 College Street.
Friday through Sunday, I’ll be at the convention, taking place at the Ramada Plaza, 300 Jarvis Street, Toronto. Naturally they have me doing programming. Here’s what and where it is:
Friday, Novemeber 17th
6:00 p.m. | Solarium | Opening Ceremonies
Although I’ve previously attended SFContario, I’ve never been to their opening ceremonies. I’m hoping it involves me wielding a pair of giant scissors (I promise not to run with them).
Saturday, Novemeber 18th
10:00 a.m. | Solarium | Creating Languages
Many SF/F worlds have their own languages, Elvish and Klingon being two examples. From etymology to grammar to culture, there are many characteristics to consider. How do you craft languages that make sense? How does a language reflect the identities of its speakers? How do we make our languages and vocabularies believable?
with Alyx Dellamonica, and Sephora Hosein (M)
11:00 a.m. | Solarium | Eating and Ethics
What is the ethical scope of our food choices? Is buying local really better than buying imported food? Are Vegans better for the environment? How do things like socioeconomic status, mental health, and disability intersect with the ethics of food consumption?
with Charlotte Ashley (M), Alyx Dellamonica, and Gunnar Wentz
2:00 p.m. | Gardenview | How to Remember EVERYTHING
Mnemonics and You! Come listen as I explain what makes memory work and how you can enhance yours.
Sunday, Novemeber 19th
12:00 p.m. | Solarium | Where do we go from here?
Speculative fiction speculates, it’s all there in the name. In today’s rapidly changing climate – cultural, political, and scientific – where should we be pointing next? How can current SFF keep pace with the current developments, and still prepare the way to the future?
with Matt Mayr, Kelly Robson, Clare Wall (M)
1:00 p.m. | Gardenview | Star Trek: The Next Iteration: How about them Klingons?
Does Star Trek Discovery feel like a lead-in to classic Star Trek? Are new gadgets and technologies too new? Is a little retcon good for us? Are they trying too hard? Will fans be loyal to the new series? Is anybody not a fan? Let’s discuss where the series is boldly going, and where we think the first season might end up.
with David Clink and Marah Searle-Kovacevic
2:00 p.m. | Parkview | Reading
My new novella, Barry’s Deal, just came out. It’s light and amusing and has fart jokes (though Amazon won’t let us say “fart” in the description). Meanwhile, my next novel, The Moons of Barsk, has been turned in and comes out next August. The convention’s given me 30 minutes to read, so come by and pick which you’d like to hear.
This will be my second convention in Canada this year, a new personal best. I hope you’ll come out and help me celebrate.
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